Michelle Peck Echenique

Michelle Peck Echenique, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on June 4, 2026 in Miami, Florida, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on May 10, 1958, to Bill and Pattie Peck, Michelle was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended Briarcliff High School. Guided by a natural warmth and a desire to care for others, she pursued a career in healthcare, earning her nursing degree from Clemson University.

Following graduation, Michelle worked as a neonatal ICU nurse at Egleston Hospital in Atlanta. It was in the NICU that her profound love for children truly flourished, and it was also there that she met the love of her life, Jorge Echenique, who was then a young urology resident at Emory University. Their relationship blossomed, and they were wed in Atlanta on January 26, 1985.

In 1987, Michelle and Jorge welcomed their first child, a beautiful daughter named Chelsea. The young family moved to Miami, Florida, in 1988, where Jorge established his private urology practice. Michelle transitioned into her new city with grace, happily embracing her life as a mother. In 1989, their family became complete with the birth of their son, Steven.

Michelle’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was an extraordinary mother to Chelsea and Steven, fully immersing herself in their lives, never missing a school event, and raising them into the amazing young adults they are today. Throughout their marriage, she was an unwavering source of love, strength, and support for Jorge, anchoring their family with her gentle spirit. In later years, their family grew even more beautiful with the arrival of two grandsons, Daniel and Nico, who quickly became “Nana’s” greatest passion and delight.

Michelle also had a very special, loving relationship with her only sister, Denise. They frequently visited and shared their love when the family would visit the North Georgia mountains. Michelle and her family greatly enjoyed those wonderful times on the porch, with great conversation and a beautiful view.

A deeply spiritual woman, Michelle felt our Lord's presence throughout her entire life. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor that she generously shared with everyone she met, bringing light and laughter into every room. In her later years, she also embraced a love of music and reading, cherishing the times spent in her book club with close friends. An adventurous traveler, she loved exploring the world alongside Jorge, her family, and dear friends. Her absolute favorite journeys were the sacred path of the Camino de Santiago in Spain and

the ancient wonders of Egypt.

During her final year of illness, Michelle profoundly touched everyone around her. She faced her trials with immense bravery, quiet strength, and an amazing, unwavering faith. She was truly an example of grace to so many. Irreplaceable and deeply loved, Michelle leaves behind a legacy of faith, humor, and boundless devotion that will never be forgotten by anyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Jorge; her daughter, Chelsea Wallace, and her husband, Jeff Wallace; their children, Daniel and Nico; her son, Steven Echenique, and his wife, Colleen Riordan. She is also survived by her sister, Denise Peck, and her husband, Todd Early; her nephew, Kenny Dowd, his wife, Emily Clifton, and great nephew Teddy Dowd; her mother-in-law, Nuria Echenique; her sister-in-law, Nuri Gaston, and her husband, Jose Gaston; and her nieces and nephews, Jorge Gaston, Alex Gaston, and Cecilia Gaston.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Pattie and Bill Peck, and her father-in-law, Jorge Echenique Sr.

Service Arrangements

• Wake: A visitation will be held on June 8 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home, 8200 Bird Road, Miami, FL 33155.

• Mass of the Resurrection: A funeral mass will be celebrated on June 9 at 10am at Epiphany Catholic Church, 8235 SW 57th Avenue, Miami, FL 33143.

• Internment: Burial will follow the mass at Woodlawn Park Cemetery North, 3260 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family warmly invites you to make a donation in Michelle's memory to support a cause very close to her heart: the ILAC Foundation Endowment Fund at ILACfund.org. or you can send a check to ILAC Foundation, 2925 Bridgeport Ave. Miami, Florida, 33133